A bill presented at the Russian State Duma on Monday would introduce fines of up to 1 million rubles ($14,154) for the sale of food items that Russia has banned from import to the country in response to Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.
Lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party, who introduced the bill, argued in an explanatory note that “despite all efforts, trade in these [banned] products continues on the territory of the Russian Federation,” according to documents published on the legislature's website.
“Such actions go against the state's foreign policy, and require additional legislative regulation in the form of increasing administrative penalties for the persons conducting such activities,” the note said.
The bill would introduce an array of fines for offenders against Russia's food import ban, up to 1 million rubles for companies and organizations. Vendors would also see banned foods confiscated under the bill.
Russia had previously been burning and bulldozing foods banned from import, after government officers seized such items. The destruction of food prompted an outcry in the country, and an online petition urging the government to donate the food to low-income people.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
